Matt Boyle is a serial entrepreneur and technologist and has a wealth of experience in the UK’s transport and power electronics, machines and drives (PEMD) sector. He joins NMIS, operated by the University of Strathclyde, from Newcastle University where he was the Chair of the Driving the Electric Revolution Innovation Centre (DER-IC), which helps industry to de-risk investments in manufacturing processes.
As the current Chair of the North East Automotive Alliance, Boyle is responsible for one of the largest automotive clusters in Europe and has previous expertise as the Managing Director of Turntide Transport and Collingwood Solutions Limited, working across automotive, aerospace, energy and other industrial sectors. He was also the Interim Challenge Director for Innovate UK’s Driving the Electric Revolution initiative.
Earlier in his career, Boyle spent two decades leading Sevcon – a vehicle power electronics company with operations worldwide – and was responsible for its listing on the NASDAQ exchange and, latterly, its sale to BorgWarner for $200 million. He was appointed an OBE in the 2018 New Year's Honours List for services to engineering and skills.
In his new position at NMIS, which is part of the UK’s High Value Manufacturing (HVM) Catapult, Matt will lead the organisation’s focus on the production of critical power electronics technologies, which has a global market projected to reach $52.8 billion in value by 2032. His role will include engagement across the University of Strathclyde and its innovation centres, such as, to help accelerate the industrialisation and commercialisation of new manufacturing approaches.
Boyle said: “The need to support decarbonisation and the transition to sustainable electric technologies has never been greater. New solutions require fundamental research, but more importantly, we have an opportunity to position the UK’s manufacturing sector at the forefront of new supply chains. NMIS is developing the capabilities required to lead the next generation of manufacturing technologies for electrification. I am excited to be here and work with this superb team.”
Chris Courtney, CEO of NMIS, said: “I’m delighted that someone of Matt’s calibre has joined our leadership team. He will lead an already strong team in an area of critical importance. We will benefit significantly from Matt’s experience, knowledge of industry and connectivity across the UK ecosystem to help drive forward power electronics and semiconductor innovation. There is a huge opportunity and a strong capability cluster in Scotland already, with high growth potential companies and leading-edge research.”
Professor Sir Jim McDonald, Chair of the NMIS Board and Principal and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Strathclyde said: "Matt’s appointment marks a pivotal step for NMIS in advancing its capabilities in electrification. His extensive experience, understanding of national and regional innovation ecosystems and industry insight offer us great value, and we are confident in his leadership to drive the next generation of electrical technologies manufacturing methods.”
